A Tirau farmer and an earthworks contractor have been fined a total of more than $60,000 over the cutting of a large farm track which threatened to discharge large amounts of sediment into a recognised trout stream.

Respected New Zealand scientist Alan Saunders has praised Environment Waikato’s strategic approach to regional pest control work, which helps support the local economy and protect native animal and bird life.

Two road building companies have been fined a combined total of more than $13,000 for failing to prevent significant amounts of sediment flowing into waterways during the construction of a passing lane near Te Kuiti last year.

Environment Waikato’s regional pest management committee has voted for a more detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with rail network operator KiwiRail Network on how pest plants are managed on the rail corridor.

Environment Waikato is warning southern Franklin land owners that they risk fines of up to $1000 if they fail to control woolly nightshade on their properties and also face being charged the cost of destroying the pest plants

Environment Waikato and Thames-Coromandel District Council are to seek more information from ferry company Fullers over its intentions regarding 360 Discovery, the company which operates a ferry service between Coromandel and Auckland.

Environment Waikato will work with private landowners, the Department of Conservation and a non-profit conservation group to protect native bush between Hamilton and Raglan that could be developed into a park for trampers and mountain bikers.